Thimbles and Service
Sounds like you got there, you slip in the thimble when you get to about 90% home.
Yes, you need to sew, tape, seize, or heatshrink the cover down -- that's all that holds it there.
I like to pull the cover tight and thrown a couple stiches in to hold it. I then cut and taper it steeply. From there, I tape over the tail with friction tape. I then cover the tape with a short length of traditional service -- with #60 tarred marline.
This hold the cover nicely, really snugs up the thimble tight, and looks nice. It is kinda cool having traditional service on a high-mod rope. The black service has a clean look even on a modern raceboat.
Bob
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